“I think people should really take more time in promoting karate as a cohesive vehicle for self-improvement rather than individualize it to a specific style.“ (End quote) – Cezar Borkowski 10th dan Northern Karate Schools
.
There are a lot of lessons karate teaches us throughout our journey, most of which will hopefully draw out our best qualities. Those who have practiced karate for many years can attest to its many physical and mental benefits.
.
One of the most important lessons to learn is continuous self-improvement. Karate is a science that takes years of your life to master. Which is why it teaches us to strive to make incremental improvements. Learning at a slow, deliberate, but effective pace you become better each and every day.
.
But training just once a week, for an hour here and there, is NOT going to cut it.
.
There is no secret. You have to work at it, inside, and particularly, outside of the dojo. As well as the other benefits karate has to offer, fitness is of paramount importance. Walk, run, jump-rope, weight train, cycle. Do not be under the misconception that training one or twice a week is all it takes. Within karate the are a lots of segments to learn, but at the core of it are skills, through learning and perfecting these skills, your mind becomes one with your body.
.
A karateka needs explosive power, but also stamina. You need to be able to keep going when things turn bad, not giving up, heavily breathing like a steam train. How fast you recover after exerting yourself is an essential part of your training, the longer it takes the more vulnerable you are.
.
By training in karate, you become a better person overall, both in society and on a deeply personal level. If you want to be the best that you can be, if you want continued self-improvement, then you must have self-discipline. You have to sacrifice your spare time in order to excel at your chosen art. Quite simply, have the discipline to workout and train, whether physically or mentally.
.
Karate is an amazing vehicle for self-improvement. But it is up to you to put in the effort. 
.
.
 Photo Credit & quote: TRAVEL 67 : Chris Willson Photography & James Pankiewicz, Asato Dojo, Okinawa….. Post inspired by Cezar Borkowski and Alfie Lewis.
.